Love Shouldn’t Hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 07 May 2025 07:56

Relationship Green Flags
by Rebecca Hieronymi

As a domestic violence victim advocate, I often have conversations with clients and concerned friends or family about “red flags” or early signs that a relationship is unhealthy, or that a partner might turn abusive. It’s not always easy to spot red flags and knowing what behaviors to be wary of is important in helping us avoid harmful situations or potentially abusive partner. Green flags, on the other hand, tend to get a lot less attention. A green flag is a behavior or personality trait that signals you are safe to move a relationship forward and that the relationship is healthy and mature. When we can recognize what a healthy relationship looks like, we can move toward people who display those healthy qualities from the get-go and find ourselves in the kind of relationships that actually feed good. Here are 10 green flags to look for in a partner:

Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 08:08

Closing Out Sexual Assault Awareness Month
by Teresia Smith

For one month each year, we shine a spotlight on an issue that is often hidden in the shadows, and we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where sexual assault is no longer tolerated. However, this conversation should not end when April does. Sexual assault awareness and prevention must be ongoing, just as the journey of healing and support for survivors continues year-round.

Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Tuesday, 22 April 2025 07:29

The Myth of “Gray Rape”
by Teresia Smith

Recently, the term “gray rape” has surfaced in conversations about sex and consent. Some use this term to describe situations where one or both parties feel that something was wrong about a sexual encounter, but they hesitate to call it rape. However, this is not only harmful and misleading; it undermines a core principle that consent must be clear, mutual, and enthusiastic.
Media has coined the phrase “gray rape” to refer to sexual encounters that consent may not have been verbally denied, but it was not freely or enthusiastically given. Often, this happens when someone is pressured into sex, acting out of fear or obligation, or they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not capable of consent. As an advocate, I believe there is not a gray area at all. Any sexual activity without clear, mutual, enthusiastic consent is a violation.

Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 08:16

Raising Awareness, Supporting Survivors, and Preventing Violence
by Teresia Smith

Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) serves as a vital time to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts. As we recognize SAAM in 2025, the need for education, advocacy, and change remains as urgent as ever. This year’s theme, ““Together We Act, United We Change,”, highlights the importance of empowering individuals, educating communities, and taking action to prevent sexual violence.

Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 09 April 2025 09:34

You Can Make a Difference
by Teresia Smith

Sexual assault is generally a difficult subject for many people to talk or even think about. However, using statistics from the Department of Justice, it is a reality for the 433,000+ people who are sexually assaulted in the United States each year. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we strive to raise awareness of sexual assault in the U.S., so that people not only begin to think about sexual assault and its implications, but start doing something about it, as well. And guess what – You have the power to make a difference. Here are some ways you can help raise sexual assault awareness, support victims, and make a difference in your community.